Compressed Gas Projectile Accelerator Having Multiple Projectile Velocity Settings

ABSTRACT

A compressed gas projectile accelerator that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism and/or method configured to allow the compressed gas projectile accelerator to expel projectiles between a first velocity setting and a second velocity setting. The velocity adjustment mechanism and/or method includes a velocity controller configured to allow a user to selectively select a velocity setting falling between the first velocity setting and the second velocity setting. The first velocity setting comprises an upper or maximum velocity setting and the second velocity setting comprises a lower or minimum velocity setting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/069,086 filed on Feb. 7, 2008 that issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,806,113 on Oct. 5, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to compressed gas projectileaccelerators and more particularly, to compressed gas projectileaccelerators configured to allow players to select one of a plurality ofvelocity settings on the fly during play without the use of tools.

In the sport of paintball, the maximum velocity at which projectiles arepermitted to be expelled from the barrel of a paintball gun or marker istightly controlled in both recreational and tournament play. Mosttournaments and recreational paintball venues only permit a paintballmarker to shoot paintballs at a maximum velocity of 300 feet per second(“FPS”). All markers are subjected to testing by chronographs before andsometimes after a tournament round or match. Some tournaments evenrandomly take chronograph readings of players' markers during actualtournament play. Shooting a hot marker, one that shoots paintballs atover 300 FPS, can subject a player or team to disqualification, a lossof points, or the player not being allowed on the field.

Current paintball markers provide methods to adjust the speed at which aprojectile is expelled from the marker. However, once the speed of themarker is adjusted to just below the maximum permitted velocity setting,the marker is not capable of being easily readjusted without the use ofa tool, such as an allen wrench. Carrying tools that can be used toadjust marker velocity settings onto the field is strictly prohibited.As such, the paintball marker is only capable of being adjusted tooperate on the field at one set velocity setting.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present application discloses a compressed gasprojectile accelerator that is capable of expelling projectiles at aplurality of user selected velocity settings that do not exceed amaximum allowed velocity setting. Other embodiments include uniqueapparatus, devices, systems, and methods for expelling projectiles froma compressed gas projectile accelerator at user selected varyingvelocities so that users are capable of lobbing projectiles at targetsas well as shooting straight at targets. Further embodiments, forms,objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the presentapplication shall become apparent from the detailed description andfigures included herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placedupon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in thefigures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a player shooting projectiles at targets on apaintball playing field using a compressed gas projectile accelerator.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative compressed gasprojectile accelerator.

FIGS. 3 a-3 c set forth rear views of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIGS. 4 a-4 c illustrates side views of a compressed gas projectileaccelerator including velocity adjustment mechanisms positioned atdifferent locations.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorhaving a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 13 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIGS. 15 a-15 c illustrates cross-sectional views of an adjustment dialof a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 17 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 18 illustrates a portion of a compressed gas projectile acceleratorin cross-sectional form having a velocity adjustment mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention is illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

Referring to FIG. 1, a user 10 is illustrated firing projectiles orpaintballs at two respective targets 12 a, 12 b using a compressed gasprojectile accelerator or paintball marker 14. User 10 is shooting attarget 12 a with a marker 14 that is set or configured to expelpaintballs at target 12 a at an upper velocity setting, which in thisform comprises the maximum allowable velocity setting of 300 FPS. Asillustrated, since user 10 is a substantial distance from target 12 a,thus requiring the paintball to travel a greater distance (e.g. −200feet), the paintball tends to travel along somewhat of an arced pathafter traveling a predetermined distance due to the force of gravity onthe paintball.

As further illustrated, user 10 is somewhat closer to target 12 b (e.g.−80 feet) who is hiding behind an obstacle 16, which is illustrated as abarrel for representative purposes only. If user 10 fires a paintball attarget 12 b with marker 14 set at the upper velocity setting, it wouldbe extremely difficult, if not impossible, for user 10 to hit target 12b due to the fact that obstacle 16 is providing cover for target 12 b.This is because the paintball will travel along a relatively straightpath toward target 12 b thereby causing the paintball to strike obstacle16 and not target 12 b. Despite the effect that gravity has on thepaintball, at the maximum allowed velocity setting, paintballs areexpelled from the marker 14 along a relatively straight path over shortdistances, which are the typical distances encountered on the field whenshooting at a respective target 12 a, 12 b.

If user 10 was able to lower the velocity at which paintballs areexpelled from the barrel of marker 14 to lets say, for example, 180 FPS,as well as adjust the angle of the barrel of marker 14 upward at apredetermined angle, the likelihood of user 10 being able to striketarget 12 b behind obstacle 16 with a paintball is greatly improved.This is because the paintball will travel along a substantially arcshaped path 18 as a function of the speed at which the paintball exitsthe barrel and the angle of the barrel. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 1, user 10 is capable of “lobbing” a paintball onto target 12 bthereby eliminating the player, which is illustrated as target 12 b.

Referring to FIG. 2, a representative paintball marker 50 is illustratedthat includes an on the fly velocity adjustment mechanism 52. Velocityadjustment mechanism 52 is operably configured to allow user 10 tomanually and selectively adjust the velocity at which paintballs areexpelled from a barrel 54 of the marker 50. Marker 50 is configured toexpel projectiles from marker 50 at a range of velocities ranging froman upper velocity setting to a lower velocity setting. In one form, theupper velocity setting corresponds to the maximum velocity at which apaintball is allowed to be expelled from barrel 54, which may be 300 FPSfor example. Further, in one form, the lower velocity settingcorresponds to the lowest possible velocity setting at which marker 50is capable of expelling a paintball from barrel 54. As those skilled inthe art would recognize, different user preferred upper and lowervelocity settings may be utilized in various other forms of the presentinvention.

In one form, marker 50 includes a housing or frame body 56, a grip framerail 58, a grip or grip frame 60, a trigger mechanism 62, and a feedtube 64 for a projectile or paintball hopper 63 (See FIG. 1). Asillustrated, body 56 is connected with grip frame rail 58 oralternatively grip frame rail 58 may be an integral part of body 56.Barrel 54 is connected with one respective end of body 56 and, in thisillustrative form, velocity adjustment mechanism 52 is connected withthe opposite end of body 56. Feed tube 64, which a paintball hopper (notshown) is removably connected with and feeds paintballs to marker 50, isalso connected with or formed as part of body 56. Trigger mechanism 62is movably connected with grip frame rail 58 and is configured to, witheach trigger pull, expel a paintball from barrel 54 (at least insemi-automatic firing mode). In automatic firing mode, a plurality ofpaintballs are expelled from barrel 54.

In another representative form, an electro-pneumatic marker 50 isdisclosed that includes an electronic circuit board 66 and a powersource 68. Although illustrated as being housed in grip frame 60, itshould be appreciated that circuit board 66 and power source 68 may behoused in other locations of marker 50. Power source 68 is connectedwith circuit board 66 and provides power to circuit board 66.Electro-pneumatic marker 50 includes a trigger sensor 70 that isconnected with circuit board 66. A velocity or speed sensor 72 and asolenoid valve 74 are also connected with circuit board 66. Speed sensor72 could comprise a laser, an optical eye, a LED speed sensor, or anyother suitable type of speed sensor. As set forth in greater detailbelow, in this form, a velocity controller 76 is also connected withcircuit board 66.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 3 a-3 c, a rear view of marker 50 isdepicted to better illustrate one form of velocity adjustment mechanism52. In this form, velocity adjustment mechanism 52 includes a mainvelocity adjustor 80. Main velocity adjustor 80 is configured to adjusta velocity setting of marker 50. In particular, main velocity adjustor80 is configured to adjust marker 50 so that marker 50 cannot expelpaintballs above a predetermined upper or maximum velocity setting,which, for illustrative purposes only, is at or below 300 FPS. In thisillustrative example, main velocity adjustor 80 comprises an allen headscrew configured to adjustably control the upper velocity setting ofmarker 50. For example, adjustment of main velocity adjustor 80, bytightening or loosening main velocity adjustor 80, increases ordecreases the maximum velocity setting of marker 50.

Velocity adjustment mechanism 52 includes an adjustment device or member82 that is connected with main velocity adjustor 80. In this form,adjustment device 82 comprises a lever selector that is secured to mainvelocity adjustor 80 with a retention member or set screw 84. Adjustmentdevice 82 includes an aperture 85 that fits around an outside diameterof main velocity adjustor 80. Once main velocity adjustor 80 is set tocause marker 50 to function at the user preferred or authorized uppervelocity setting, which is just below 300 FPS in this example, leverselector 82 is positioned about a dial 86 in a user selected positionand then set screw 84 is used to tightly secure lever selector 82 tomain velocity adjustor 80. In this example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 a,user 10 has selected a twelve o-clock position for lever selector 82 asthe setting for the maximum or upper velocity setting.

In order to prevent user 10 from being able to turn lever selector 82clockwise, thereby increasing the velocity at which a projectile may beexpelled, lever selector 82 must be restricted. As previously discussed,any velocity above the upper or maximum velocity setting would causemarker 50 to be viewed as a “hot marker” as understood by those skilledin the art. In this example, dial 86 includes a plurality of apertures88 that are positioned around a circumference or perimeter of dial 86. Ablocking pin 90 is positioned or placed in a respective aperture 88immediately next to lever 82 to prevent lever selector 82 from beingrotated any further in the clockwise direction. As such, this preventsuser 10 from being able to adjust the velocity setting of marker 50above the upper velocity setting. This is an important feature as user10 would not be allowed to use marker 50 if he/she was capable ofadjusting marker 50 to shoot above the maximum allowed velocity settingby simply moving levor selector 82.

In this form, as user 10 rotates lever selector 82 counterclockwise, thevelocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel 54 of marker 50begins to decrease. For example, at the setting illustrated in FIG. 3 b,marker 50 is set to expel paintballs at approximately 215 FPS. Thefurther lever selector 82 is adjusted counterclockwise, the velocity atwhich paintballs are expelled from marker 50 decreases until, asillustrated in FIG. 3 c, lever selector 82 reaches a lower velocitysetting. In FIG. 3 c, the lower velocity setting is controlled byplacement of a blocking pin 92 in another user selected aperture 88 ofdial 86.

During operation, lever selector 82 will hit or bump up against pins 90and 92, which do not allow lever selector 82 to be adjusted any furtherbeyond the upper and lower velocity settings. Selector 82 may alsoinclude a detainment mechanism, which is a detent 94 in this example,that is located in alignment with apertures 88 on dial 86 to helptemporarily secure the selector 82 in place once a velocity setting ischosen by user 10. Pins 90, 92 may comprise standard pins, set screws,or any other type of equivalent device that will restrict movement oflever selector 82 beyond the upper and lower velocity settings.Apertures 88 may be threaded and in one form, dial 86 is connected tobody 56 of marker 50 and in another form, dial 86 is formed as anintegral part of body 56 or other components of marker 50 disclosedherein.

Referring to FIG. 4 a, a side view of one illustrative form of marker 50is illustrated showing velocity adjustment mechanism 52 located directlyon marker 50. In this form, velocity adjustment mechanism 52 isillustrated as being located or positioned at the back or rear of body56; however, those skilled in the art should appreciate that velocityadjustment mechanism may be located at several other positions on marker50. Marker 50 includes a compressed gas source 100, which may containcompressed air, CO₂, nitrogen, or any other type of suitable compressedgas, which is removably connected with a tank adapter 102 of marker 50.The compressed gas stored in source 100 is used to selectively expelprojectiles from barrel 54 of marker 50.

In this illustrated form, a gas line 104 connects an output of tankadapter 102 to a pressure regulator 106. Compressed gas from compressedgas source 100 is in communication with pressure regulator 106. Pressureregulator 106 prevents gas pressures from rising above a predeterminedthreshold level before entering marker 50, to prevent damage of theinternal components of marker 50. Pressure regulator 106 includes anadjustment knob 108 that provides for adjustment of one or moreoperating parameters of pressure regulator 106.

Referring to FIG. 4 b, in this representative form, velocity adjustmentmechanism 52 is configured as an integral part of pressure regulator106. As such, movement of selector 82 on regulator 106 between an upperset point and a lower set point will cause marker 50 to expelprojectiles from barrel 54 between a maximum or upper velocity settingand a minimum or lower velocity setting.

Referring to FIG. 4 c, in this representative form, velocity adjustmentmechanism 52 has been incorporated as a component of tank adapter 102.Movement of selector 82 on tank adapter 102 between an upper set pointand a lower set point will cause marker 50 to expel projectiles frombarrel 54 between an upper velocity setting and a lower velocitysetting. All of the features discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3a-3 c are hereby incorporated by reference into the representative formsset forth in FIGS. 4 b and 4 c.

Referring to FIG. 5, in this representative form, velocity adjustmentmechanism 52 is mounted on a side of marker 50. Selector 82 isillustrated as being set at the maximum velocity setting. In this form,rotation of selector 82 clockwise causes main velocity adjustor 80 toblock a gas passage in marker 50 thereby allowing user 10 toincrementally reduce the velocity of paintballs that are expelled frombarrel 54. For the sake of brevity, those skilled in the art shouldrecognize that the remaining features of marker 50 and velocityadjustment mechanism 52 are the same as those set forth with respect toFIGS. 3 a-3 c.

Referring to FIG. 6, another representative form of marker 50 isillustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 110. In thisrepresentative example, marker 50 includes a bolt 112 that travels backand forth along a longitudinal axis in a bolt chamber or bore 114 insidebody 56 of marker 50. Bolt 112 includes a gas passage 116 through whichcompressed gas passes in order to expel paintballs from barrel 54. Asbolt 112 travels forward, a gas port 118 in bolt 112 reaches a valvepassage 120. During operation, once trigger mechanism 62 is pressed,trigger mechanism 62 releases a hammer 122 that travels forward underthe pressure or force provided by a hammer spring 124. After traveling apredetermined distance, hammer 122 strikes a respective end of a valve126, thereby actuating valve 126.

Actuation of valve 126 causes compressed gas, which is stored in acompressed gas storage chamber 128 on an opposite side of valve 126, tovent through valve passage 120 into gas passage 116 of bolt 112 throughgas port 118. It should be appreciated that bolt 112 and hammer 122 movetogether and gas port 118 is positioned on bolt 112 such that gas port118 is aligned with valve passage 120 when hammer 122 strikes valve 126.A bolt and hammer connecting pin 127 is used to connect bolt 112 withhammer 122. As such, compressed gas is permitted to travel fromcompressed gas storage chamber 128 to valve passage 120 and then intogas passage 116 of bolt 112 via gas port 118. This compressed gas isthen used to expel a paintball from the barrel 54. After compressed gasis expelled from chamber 128, a spring 129 connected to an end of valve126 forces valve 126 shut or closed, thereby stopping the flow ofcompressed gas through valve passage 120. At the same time compressedgas is passed through passage 120, compressed gas is also directed to ahammer chamber 131, which causes hammer 122 and bolt 112 to recoil foranother shot.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, an adjustable relief valve 130 is a ventingmechanism connected with an exposed end of bolt 112. Adjustable reliefvalve 130 is used to control or limit the pressure that is supplied fromthe flow of compressed gas utilized to expel paintballs from barrel 54.As such, when compressed gas is introduced to gas passage 116 of bolt112, compressed gas travels forward to expel a paintball from barrel 54and backwards towards venting mechanism on end 134 of bolt 112.Depending on the desired velocity setting, a predetermined amount ofcompressed gas will vent through velocity adjustment mechanism 110.Adjustable relief valve 130 includes an adjustment mechanism 136, a knobor wheel in this illustrative example, that allows user 10 to adjustvelocity settings between the maximum or upper velocity setting and theminimum or lower velocity setting.

Referring to FIG. 7, in yet another illustrative form, marker 50includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 110 located on body 56. Inparticular, velocity adjustment mechanism 110 is a venting mechanismlocated at an end 150 of barrel 54. In this form, bolt 112 does nottravel completely to end 150 of barrel 54. As such, a gap exists betweenan end 152 of bolt 112 and end 150 of barrel 54 during a firingoperation such that a seal is not formed between barrel 54 and bolt 112.Body 56 includes a gas port 154 that is connected with a ventingmechanism, which is an adjustable relief valve 156 in this form. As withthe previous form, during a firing operation, compressed gas travelsthrough gas passage 116. A predetermined amount of this compressed gasis redirected into gas port 154 and is vented through adjustable reliefvalve 156. Velocity adjustment mechanism 110 includes a knob 158 that isused by user 10 to control the amount of compressed gas that is releasedfrom adjustable relief valve 156. Adjustable relief valve 156 is thuscapable of allowing marker 50 to expel projectiles between a maximum orupper velocity setting and a minimum or lower velocity setting.

Referring to FIG. 8, in yet another form, bolt 112 includes a gaspassage 116 that includes input port 118 and an output port 160, inaddition to a port 162 used to expel paintballs from barrel 54. Body 56includes a gas port 164 that aligns with output port or vent 160 of bolt112 during a firing operation and redirects a predetermined amount ofcompressed gas to a venting mechanism. As with the previous forms,marker 50 includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 166, which comprisesan adjustable relief valve 168 that acts or functions as the ventingmechanism. In this form, velocity adjustment mechanism 166 is locatedbehind feeder 64 in body 56. Adjustable relief valve 168 includes a knob170 that is used by user 10 to control the amount of compressed gas thatis released from adjustable relief valve 168. Adjustable relief valve168 is thus capable of allowing marker 50 to expel projectiles between amaximum velocity setting and a minimum velocity setting.

Referring to FIG. 9, a portion of another representative marker 50 isillustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 180. In thisrepresentative form, a hammer spring end cap 182 is connected with anend 184 of body 56. Hammer spring end cap 182 is threadably connectedwith body 56 or friction fit with body 56. A threaded end 185 of a mainvelocity adjustor 186 is secured in a threaded aperture 188 of hammerspring end cap 182. Main velocity adjustor 186 has an unthreaded end 190that extends from threaded end 185 into the body 56 of marker 50 andincludes a spring retention collar 192. An end 194 of hammer spring 124fits around unthreaded end 190 of main velocity adjustor 186 and restsagainst collar 192. A portion of main velocity adjustor 186 fits withina retention aperture 196 of end cap 182.

In this form, main velocity adjustor 186 is used to set the maximum orupper velocity setting by adjustment of main velocity adjustor 186 inend cap 182. Main velocity adjustor 186 is used to adjust the tension onhammer spring 124. The more tension that is applied to hammer spring 124(i.e.—by screwing main velocity adjustor 186 further into end cap 182),the harder hammer 122 strikes valve 126 during a firing operation. Theharder hammer 122 strikes valve 126, the longer valve 126 is activatedand a greater volume of compressed gas is released from valve 126,thereby expelling paintballs from barrel 54 at a higher velocity.Likewise, loosening main velocity adjustor 186, which lessens thetension applied to hammer 122 by spring 124, causes hammer 122 to strikevalve 126 with less force during a firing operation. This causes aquicker activation of valve 126 and a release of a lesser gas volumeduring a firing operation, thereby expelling paintballs from barrel 54at a lower velocity.

As with the form illustrated in FIGS. 3 a-3 c, this form may include anadjustment device 82 (e.g.—a selector lever). Once main velocityadjustor 186 has been set to expel projectiles at an upper velocitylevel or setting, selector 82 may be connected with or adjusted on mainvelocity adjustor 186. Although dial 86 is not included in this form, itcould be connected with end cap 182. In this form, end cap 182 includesapertures 88. As with the forms disclosed in FIGS. 3 a-3 c, pins or setscrews 90 and 92 may be positioned in apertures 88 to ensure thatselector 82 cannot be adjusted above the upper velocity setting or belowthe minimum or lower velocity setting. See FIGS. 3 a-3 c. Set screw 84is used to secure selector 82 to main velocity adjustor 186.

Referring to FIG. 10, in this form, marker 50 includes a velocityadjustment mechanism 200 that adjusts the tension applied by spring 129to valve 126. As those skilled in the art would recognize, the velocityadjustment mechanism 200 can be configured additionally on marker 50with or without the above described main velocity adjustor 186. Velocityadjustor 202 is positioned in a valve spring retention member 204.Retention member 204 is connected with body 56 and is positioned inchamber 128. Velocity adjustor 202 includes a threaded end 206, asealing member 208, an extension member 210, and a collar 212. Threadedend 206 is threaded into an internally threaded aperture 214 ofretention member 204 and transitions into sealing member 208. Sealingmember 208 includes one or more seals 216 that form a fluid tight sealbetween sealing member 208 and an internal bore 218 of retention member204. Extension member 210 extends away from sealing member 208 insideinternal bore 218 and transitions into collar 212. An end 220 of spring129 is connected with collar 212 and an opposite end 222 of spring 129is connected with an end of valve 126.

Velocity adjustment mechanism 200 works in conjunction with hammer 122in this form. Velocity adjustment mechanism 200 is used to adjust theforce applied to the end of valve 126. The more force that is applied tovalve 126, the faster valve 126 shuts after being struck by hammer 122.As such, as threaded end 206 is tightened into retention member 204,more force is applied to valve 126 by spring 129. Likewise, as threadedend 206 is loosened from retention member 204, less force is applied tovalve 126. The faster valve 126 closes, the less volume of compressedgas is allowed to pass through valve 126 to expel projectiles frombarrel 54 of marker 50. As such, adjustment of threaded end 206 to apredetermined location or setting allows user 10 to set an uppervelocity setting. As with the previous embodiments, velocity adjustmentdevice 82 may then be used to raise and lower the velocity at whichpaintballs are expelled from barrel 54. All other features of this formremain the same as previously set forth with respect to FIGS. 3 a-3 cand 9.

Referring to FIG. 11, in this form, marker 50 includes a velocityadjustment mechanism 250 that adjusts the volume of gas and the tensionon spring 129 to control the force at which a paintball is expelled frombarrel 54. Velocity adjustment mechanism 250 includes a velocityadjustor 252 that is threaded into body 56 of marker 50. In particular,velocity adjustor 252 is threaded into chamber 128 of marker 50.Velocity adjustor 252 includes a threaded segment 254, an extensionsegment 256, and a spring receiving segment 258. Threaded segment 254 isthreaded into an internally threaded segment 260 of bore 253.

Extension segment 256 extends away from threaded segment 254 apredetermined distance into bore 253. At an opposite end of extensionsegment 256 is a spring receiving segment 258. Spring receiving segment258 includes an aperture 262 that receives a first end 264 of spring129. A second end 266 of spring 129 is connected with or engages an end268 of valve 126. At least one seal 278 is positioned between springreceiving segment 258 and bore 253 to provide a fluid tight seal forchamber 128, which is defined by bore 253, spring receiving segment 258and valve 126.

In this form, chamber 128 comprises a compressed gas storage chamberthat is refilled with compressed gas after each shot. The compressed gashas a predetermined pressure level, which is controlled by regulator106, and a predetermined volume. While the pressure level does notchange, velocity adjustment mechanism 250 is configured to change thevolume or amount of compressed gas that is stored in chamber 128. Inaddition, the tension on spring 129 is also adjusted which, in turn,changes the amount of force applied to end 266 of spring 129.

During setup, velocity adjustor 252 is configured to allow marker 50 toexpel paintballs from barrel 54 at a maximum or upper velocity setting.As with the previous forms, adjustment device or selector 82 allows user10 to adjust operation of marker 50 between the upper velocity settingand the lower velocity setting. Tightening, or screwing in velocityadjustor 252, increases the tension on spring 129, thereby causing valve126 to close faster when hammer 122 strikes valve 126, as well asdecreases the volume of chamber 128.

Loosening velocity adjustor 252 decreases the force placed on valve 126and increases the volume of chamber 128 (i.e.—thereby allowing morecompressed gas into chamber 128), which allows paintballs to be expelledfrom barrel 54 at a higher or increased velocity. Movement of adjustmentdevice 82 tightens and loosens velocity adjustor 252, thereby allowingadjustment of marker 50 between the upper velocity setting and lowervelocity setting. As with the representative form set forth with respectto FIGS. 3 a-3 c and 9, movement of adjustment device 82 is preventedfrom occurring above or below the upper velocity setting and lowervelocity setting.

Referring to FIG. 12, yet another form of marker 50 is illustrated thatincludes a velocity adjustment mechanism 300. In this form, a firstvelocity adjustor 302 is used to set marker 50 to operate at the maximumor upper velocity setting. This is accomplished by adjusting the tensionor force applied to hammer 122 by spring 124 similar to the mannerdescribed above. During this adjustment, velocity adjustment mechanism300 is positioned such that a gas chamber blocker 304 is located in afully closed or forward position. The outer diameter of gas chamberblocker 304 includes a seal 306 that forms a fluid tight seal with arear gas chamber 308 in bolt 112.

A rear portion of bolt 112 includes an aperture 310 running from an openend 312 of bolt 112 to rear gas chamber 308. A rod 314 is connected withgas chamber blocker 304 and runs through the rear end of bolt 112 out ofopen end 312. A portion 316 of the rear end of bolt 112 containsinternal threads and a portion 318 of the end of rod 314 containsexternal threads. An adjustment knob 320 is connected with the exposedend of rod 314.

Adjustment knob 320 is used to screw rod 314 in and out of bolt 112.When adjustment knob 320 is in the fully closed position, gas chamberblocker 304 blocks or closes off chamber 308. As adjustment knob 320 isunscrewed or adjusted outwardly, more of chamber 308 becomes exposedthereby increasing the total volume of gas passage 116. In this form,during a firing operation, valve 126 is configured to release a setamount of compressed gas at a set pressure. As the bolt air chamber, ortotal size of gas passage 116, increases with the rearward adjustment ofrod 314, moving gas chamber blocker 304 further back into gas chamber308, the velocity of the paintball during a firing operation decreases.This allows user 10 to adjust marker 50 to expel paintballs between theupper velocity setting and a lower velocity setting through theadjustment of knob 320.

Referring to FIG. 13, yet another representative marker 50 is disclosedthat includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 350. This form is similarto that disclosed with respect to FIG. 12 except that instead of thevolume adjustment occurring in connection with bolt 112, it takes placewith respect to valve 126. Once the upper velocity setting is set usingfirst velocity adjustor 302, as described above, velocity adjustmentmechanism 350 can be used to adjust the velocity setting between theupper velocity setting and the lower velocity setting. In this form, aforward end of body 56 includes a longitudinal bore 354 that housesvalve 126.

A valve plug 356 is secured in bore 354 that defines a rear gas chamber358 b and a forward gas chamber 358 a, which together define a gasstorage chamber. In this form, valve plug 356 includes an outer threadedportion 360 that is threaded into an internally threaded portion 362 ofbore 354. Valve plug 356 also includes a spring retention member 364that includes an aperture 366. An end 368 of spring 129 rests against arespective surface of spring retention member 364. At least one seal 369is used to provide a fluid tight seal between bore 354 and valve plug356. A valve 370, which may comprise a solenoid valve, is used toselectively supply compressed gas to the rear gas chamber 358 b andforward gas chamber 358 a.

Velocity adjustment mechanism 350 includes a velocity adjustor 352.Velocity adjustor 352 includes an outer threaded portion 372 thatengages an inner threaded portion 374 of valve plug 356. Velocityadjustor 352 includes a gas chamber blocker 376. An outer diameter ofgas chamber blocker 376 includes a seal 378 that forms a fluid tightseal between gas chamber blocker 376 and an inner wall of rear gaschamber 358 b. Velocity adjustor 352 also includes an adjustment knob380 that extends or is positioned outwardly from the end of valve plug356.

When marker 50 is being adjusted for use or play, velocity adjustor 352is secured or screwed all the way into rear gas chamber 358 b as far aspossible. Valve plug 354 includes a gas supply aperture 382 that is inalignment with a gas supply passage 384. In this example, gas chamberblocker 376 is in approximate alignment with gas supply aperture 382.Once velocity adjustor 352 is in the forward most position, firstvelocity adjustor 302 is used to set the upper velocity setting ofmarker 50.

During play, user 10 can lower the velocity setting of marker 50 byunscrewing or adjusting the position of velocity adjustor 352. Adjustingthe position of velocity adjustor 352 outwardly by turning knob 380,increases the volume of rear gas chamber 358 b. Since compressed gas issupplied to the gas storage chamber, which as previously set forthcomprises rear gas storage chamber 358 b and forward gas storage chamber358 a, at a set pressure and set volume, increasing the volume of thegas storage chamber causes a decrease in velocity of paintballs that areexpelled from barrel 54.

Referring to FIG. 14, a portion of yet another form of marker 50 isillustrated that includes another representative form of a velocityadjustment mechanism 400. Velocity adjustment mechanism 400 includes adial selector, which in this form comprises an adjustable gas passageblocker 402 positioned in a slot 404 of body 56. Valve 126 includes avalve body 406 that includes a gas port 408. Adjustable gas passageblocker 402 is positioned in slot 404 of body 56 on a swivel pin 410. Asset forth in greater detail below, as gas passes from chamber 128through port 408 of valve 126, the gas also passes through adjustablegas passage blocker 402 before entering input port 118 of gas passage116 in bolt 112.

Referring to FIGS. 15 a-c, which depicts top cross sectional views ofmarker 50 along hash A-A in FIG. 14, a more illustrative view ofadjustable gas passage blocker 402 is illustrated. A portion of gaspassage blocker 402 protrudes outwardly from a side 412 of body 56.Adjustable gas passage blocker 402 includes a plurality of passages 414positioned about a circumference or perimeter of adjustable gas passageblocker 402. Each passage 414 has a different diameter or size. Mainvelocity adjustor 302 (see FIG. 12) is used to set the upper velocitysetting of marker 50 and adjustable gas passage blocker 402 is used tolower the velocity setting to different settings as a function of whichpassage 414 is selected.

As set forth above, gas passage blocker 402 includes passages 414 thatare sized according to the amount of restriction that is desired. Forexample, in FIG. 15 a, the largest diameter passage 414 is aligned withgas port 408 or valve 126. As such, marker 50 is set at the uppervelocity setting. FIG. 15 b represents a middle setting and FIG. 15 crepresents the lower velocity setting. An adjustment member 416protrudes outwardly from gas passage blocker 402. A cutaway or slot 418is located in body 56 that provides a passageway for adjustment member416 to travel through.

Referring to FIG. 16, in yet another form, marker 50 includes a velocityadjustment mechanism 450 that comprises a bolt passage blocker 452 thatis designed to partially block port 118 of bolt 112. Bolt passageblocker 452 is connected with a rod 454 that fits within an aperture 456in bolt 112. Bolt passage blocker 452 fits within a retaining aperture458 bored in bolt 112. An end portion 460 of rod 454 includes anexternally threaded portion 462 that engages an internally threadedportion 464 of bolt 112. The end of rod 454 is connected with anadjustment knob 466.

Bolt passage blocker 452 is configured to block port 118 of bolt 112such that gas is restricted from flowing into passage 116 of bolt 112.As knob 466 is screwed in and out, bolt passage blocker 452 adjusts toeither increasingly or decreasingly block port 118. As a result, thevelocity at which paintballs are expelled from barrel 54 can be adjustedbetween a maximum velocity setting and a minimum velocity setting. Themaximum velocity setting may be configured on marker 50 by using mainvelocity adjustor 302, as previously set forth. When the maximumvelocity is set, bolt passage blocker 452 is set in a fully retractedstate or position so that user 10 cannot increase the velocity while onthe field to an excessive velocity setting.

Referring to FIG. 17, another representative form of marker 50 isillustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 500. In thisform, the position of bolt 112 is adjusted such that, during a firingoperation, port 118 of bolt 112 is misaligned with gas passage 120. Assuch, the misalignment of port 118 restricts the flow of compressed gasto passage 116, thereby slowing down the velocity of paintballs beingexpelled from barrel 54. The bolt and hammer connecting pin 127 ispositioned in aperture 510 in bolt 112. One end of a rod 502 isconnected with bolt and hammer connecting pin 127. Another end of rod502 is connected with a knob 506. Rod 502 is positioned in an aperture504 in bolt 112. An end portion 508 of rod 502 includes external threadsthat mate with internal threads in aperture 504. With bolt and hammerconnecting pin 127 joined to hammer 122, rotation of rod 502 with knob506 repositions bolt 112 back and forth along a longitudinal axis inbolt chamber or bore 114 inside body 56 of marker 50. The maximumvelocity is ready to set when knob 506 is fully unscrewed and bolt 112is in the forward most position. Then maximum velocity setting isconfigured on marker 50 using main velocity adjustor 302, as previouslyset forth.

As knob 506 is screwed in, bolt 112 moves rearward, thereby causing port118 to become misaligned with passage 120. The more port 118 becomesmisaligned with passage 120, by adjustment of bolt 112 on the bolt andhammer connecting pin 127 through knob 506, the lower the velocity ofpaintballs expelled from barrel 54 will be. In addition, when bolt 112is misaligned with passage 120, some compressed gas will be ventedthrough feed tube 64, thereby also lowering the velocity of thepaintball.

Referring to FIG. 18, another representative form of marker 50 isillustrated that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism 550. In thisform, velocity adjustment mechanism 550 creates controllable separationbetween a paintball 566 and bolt 112. Velocity adjustment mechanism 550comprises a paintball repositioning member 552 that pushes paintballsfurther into barrel 54 during a firing operation. Paintballrepositioning member 552 is connected with a rod 554 that passes throughgas passage 116 and an aperture 556 in bolt 112. An end 558 of bolt 112includes an internally threaded portion 560 and an end 568 of rod 554includes an externally threaded portion 562 that threads into internallythreaded portion 560. A knob 564 is connected to end 568 of rod 554 andallows adjustment of ball repositioning member 552.

Ball repositioning member 552 is configured to push a paintball 566 intobarrel 54 at various depths. The further paintball 566 is pushed out ofthe breech into barrel 54, the greater the separation from said bolt112, thereby the slower or less velocity paintball 566 will be expelledfrom barrel 54 during a firing operation. Knob 564 allows user 10 toadjust the depth at which paintball 566 is pushed into barrel 54,thereby allowing adjustment of the velocity at which paintball 566 isexpelled from barrel 54 between an upper velocity setting and a lowervelocity setting. As those skilled in the art would recognize, the ballrepositioning member 552 is for the controllable separation of thepaintball 566 from the compressed gas forces of compressed gas passage116, of bolt 112.

Referring to FIG. 2, in yet another form of the present invention, anelectronic projectile accelerator 50 is disclosed that includes anelectronic velocity adjustment mechanism. Electronic projectileaccelerator 50 includes an electronic controller, which in this formcomprises an electronic circuit board 66 connected with a power source68. A velocity controller 76, which may comprise a push button control,a dial control, or any other suitable type of control, is connected withthe electronic circuit board 66 for allowing a user to selectively set avelocity setting at which projectiles are expelled from a barrel 54.

In one form, the velocity setting is not permitted to go above apredetermined maximum value. A solenoid or solenoid valve 74 isconnected with the electronic circuit board 66. The electronic circuitboard 66 is configured to control one or more operating parameters ofthe solenoid 74 as a function of the velocity setting.

The electronic projectile accelerator 50 further includes a sensor 72configured to permit determination of a velocity of a projectile exitingthe electronic projectile accelerator 50. The electronic circuit board66 is adapted to adjust one or more operating parameters of theelectronic projectile accelerator 50, in one form, operating parametersof solenoid 74, as a function of the velocity determination and thevelocity setting.

Another aspect of the present invention discloses a kit for retrofittinga compressed gas projectile accelerator 50. The kit includes a velocityadjustment mechanism, as disclosed and described above with respect toFIGS. 1-18, that is configured to allow the compressed gas projectileaccelerator 50 to expel projectiles between a defined range of velocitysettings. A velocity controller is included in the kit for allowing auser to selectively adjust the velocity adjustment mechanism to arespective velocity setting falling in the range of velocity settings.The exact components included in the kit will vary depending on thedesign of the compressed gas projectile accelerator 50, but will includeone or more of the components described and set forth with respect toFIGS. 1-18.

One form of the present invention discloses a compressed gas projectileaccelerator. The compressed gas projectile accelerator includes avelocity adjustment mechanism configured to allow the compressed gasprojectile accelerator to expel projectiles between a first velocitysetting and a second velocity setting. The velocity adjustment mechanismincludes a velocity controller configured to allow a user to selectivelyselect a velocity setting falling between the first velocity setting andthe second velocity setting.

Another aspect of the present invention discloses a method, comprisingthe steps of a) configuring a compressed gas projectile accelerator toexpel projectiles at a user selected velocity setting falling between afirst velocity setting and a second velocity setting; and b) providing avelocity controller configured to manually allow a user to selectivelychoose a respective one of a plurality of velocity settings fallingbetween the first and second velocity settings as desired by the user.

Yet another aspect of the present invention discloses a compressed gasprojectile accelerator, comprising a compressed gas source; a compressedgas releasing mechanism in communication with said compressed gas sourcefor selectively releasing compressed gas to expel a projectile; and aprojectile velocity controller configured to selectively expelprojectiles at a manual user selected velocity setting falling within arange of velocity settings.

A further aspect of the present invention discloses a projectileaccelerator. The projectile accelerator includes a compressed gassource; a gas releasing mechanism in communication with the compressedgas source; a trigger mechanism for selectively controlling the gasreleasing mechanism; and a velocity adjustor associated with the gasreleasing mechanism for allowing a user of the projectile accelerator toselectively adjust the velocity at which a projectile is expelled fromthe projectile accelerator between an upper velocity setting and a lowervelocity setting, where adjustment of the velocity adjustor from theupper velocity setting toward the lower velocity setting progressivelycauses projectiles to be expelled from the projectile accelerator in alobbed manner.

Another aspect of the present invention discloses an electronicprojectile accelerator, comprising: an electronic circuit board; avelocity controller connected with the electronic circuit board forallowing a user to selectively set a velocity setting at whichprojectiles are expelled from a barrel, where the velocity setting isnot permitted to go above a predetermined maximum value; and a solenoidconnected with the electronic circuit board, where the electroniccircuit board is configured to control one or more operating parametersof the solenoid as a function of the velocity setting.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and thatall changes and modifications that come within the spirit of theinventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood thatwhile the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or morepreferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature sodescribed may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary andembodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope ofthe invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. Inreading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,”“at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intentionto limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to thecontrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “aportion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire itemunless specifically stated to the contrary.

1. A compressed gas projectile accelerator, comprising: a velocityadjustment mechanism configured to allow said compressed gas projectileaccelerator to expel projectiles between a first velocity setting and asecond velocity setting, said velocity adjustment mechanism including avelocity controller configured to allow a user to selectively select avelocity setting between said first velocity setting and said secondvelocity setting.
 2. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim1, said velocity adjustment mechanism comprising a flow restrictionmember configured to selectively restrict an amount of compressed gasused to expel projectiles as a function of said velocity setting.
 3. Thecompressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 2, where said velocitycontroller is connected with said flow restriction member and isconfigured to be adjusted between said first velocity setting and saidsecond velocity setting thereby setting said compressed gas projectileaccelerator at a respective velocity setting.
 4. The compressed gasprojectile accelerator of claim 3, said velocity adjustment mechanismincluding a dial, said dial including a plurality of apertures locatedabout a circumference of said dial, where a first stopping member placedin a first aperture of said plurality of apertures is used to set saidfirst velocity setting and a second stopping member placed in a secondaperture of said plurality of apertures is used to set said secondvelocity setting, where said first and second stopping members restrictmovement of said velocity controller beyond said first and secondstopping members.
 5. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim4, where said velocity controller comprises a selector, said selectorincluding a detainment mechanism that engages a respective one of saidplurality of apertures in said dial to prevent inadvertent movement ofsaid selector.
 6. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1,where said velocity adjustment mechanism is located in a predeterminedlocation, where said predetermined location is selected from the groupconsisting of a frame, a regulator, and a compressed gas supply.
 7. Thecompressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 1, where said velocityadjustment mechanism is configured to selectively adjust a volume ofcompressed gas supplied to expel projectiles as a function of saidvelocity setting.
 8. The compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim1, where said velocity adjustment mechanism is configured to selectivelyadjust the pressure of said compressed gas supplied to expel projectilesas a function of said velocity setting.
 9. The compressed gas projectileaccelerator of claim 1, where said velocity adjustment mechanism isconfigured to adjust a timed release of compressed gas supplied to expelprojectiles as a function of said velocity setting.
 10. The compressedgas projectile accelerator of claim 1, where said velocity adjustmentmechanism comprises a secondary velocity adjuster on a compressed gasprojectile accelerator with a main velocity adjuster.
 11. A method,comprising: configuring a compressed gas projectile accelerator to expelprojectiles at a user selected velocity setting falling between a firstvelocity setting and a second velocity setting; and providing a velocityselector configured to allow a user to selectively choose a respectiveone of a plurality of velocity settings falling between said first andsecond velocity settings as desired by said user.
 12. A kit forretrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator, comprising: avelocity adjustment mechanism configured to allow said compressed gasprojectile accelerator to expel projectiles between a defined range ofvelocity settings; and a velocity controller for allowing a user toselectively adjust said velocity adjustment mechanism to a respectivevelocity setting falling in said range of velocity settings.
 13. The kitfor retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim 12,said velocity adjustment mechanism being located in a predeterminedlocation, where said predetermined location is selected from the groupconsisting of a frame, a regulator, and a compressed gas supply.
 14. Thekit for retrofitting a compressed gas projectile accelerator of claim48, said velocity adjustment mechanism comprises a secondary velocityadjuster on a compressed gas projectile accelerator having a mainvelocity adjuster.